Nikon 105mm f/2.8 overview

The AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens from Nikon brings the benefits of vibration reduction (VR) to the domain of Macro photography. This lens will produce images up to a 1:1 (life-size) magnification ratio. Any camera movement at this magnification is also amplified, so image stabilization is critical. This lens offers high-resolution, high-optical performance for both digital and 35mm film format SLR cameras. It is also effective as a straight prime telephoto lens for portraiture and general shooting. The VR system offers a three shutter speed stop equivalence enabling the use of slower shutter speeds while still maintaining image sharpness, even in low light. When used on cameras with an APS-C size sensor, the equivalent focal length is 157.5mm.

The internal focus system means only the internal lens groups move during focus allowing a close working distance and the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus motor is fast and near-silent. Full-time manual focus override enables immediate access to precise manual focus by just turning the large focus ring. The minimum focus distance is just 12". One Extra-low Dispersion glass element controls chromatic aberrations and both Super Integrated and Nano Crystal lens coatings are applied to the elements for enhanced light transmission and reduced ghosting and flare.

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 reviews

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Just what I wantedSome say that VR in macro isn't that useful but I disagree. I for one prefer to shoot macro while walking (not at the same time mind you) and almost never carry a tripod so I find that the VR at 1:1 is every bit as useful as 1:10+. The lens is also very sharp wide open, something I'm not used to so I'm quite pleased. My only surprise, however, was that the closer your subject the slower the lens becomes. At 1:1 the lens is F4.8 and at >10' will the lens be 2.8. As you focus toward infinity you will see the F/stop steadily drop to 2.8. In practice this may be normal for most macros, I dont know, but it does not seem to make much a difference.

Date published: 2008-12-02

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Moose and Bear Shooter from
A Real Five Star RatingAfter being a full time Pro for 20 years, and after having owned and or used just about every top lens built for Canon, Nikon, Hasselblad and most of the view camera lenses, I must say that 5 star ratings are tossed about just too often. 5 stars ought to be reserved for the creme of the crop, the stellar performers, the lenses that stun with their sharpness. The Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is one of these lenses. My files have a presence about them that comes with the suburb contrast and separation that this lens provides. Nikon has achieved something magical with the Crystal Nano Coat.

Date published: 2008-06-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Amazing Macro and portraiture lens .....Graet built quality as well as optics. This 105 VR lens for all-day macro use. It's no problem for normal use, but try one and see if you can frame the way you want as subjects move as well. For shooting normal subjects, this is my favorite 105mm lens as well as the amazing macro out put. The AF-S and instant manual-focus override make it the ergonomic the winner of all. The scrispy sharp picture at all edge and one of the best portraiture lense as well. I compare this one with nikon 105 dc 2.0 one as well , and they came pretty much same even some instrances better and sharper. This is must have for all dslr nikon user lens.

Date published: 2012-07-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
JD Photo from
Best glass I own to dateI bought this lens to get started in the world of macro photography and I have to say I have not been disappointed. It is very sharp and a pleasure to shoot through. I also plan to use it for some portrait work, but since it us so sharp I'll need to modify my workflow a little to soften up the images a bit . Pros: Very sharp images at all apertures though f8 seems to be the sweet spot. Large focus ring makes it easy to manually focus when close to a subject. Cons: Not really a con, but a bit too sharp for portraits. Requires a little more post processing. If your thinking of getting into macro, you owe it to yourself to get this lens.

Date published: 2016-06-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Larry from
Everything You Would Expect From a NikonI had seen examples of images taken with this lens before I purchased it, and it hasn't let me down! Great color, smooth bokeh, and 1:1 macro, as well as a very nice portrait lens! Before this, I had used a Sigma 150mm f/2.8 for my macro work. While that is a sweet lens itself, the 105mm f/2.8 offers more options from a subject standpoint. It does equally as well with macro as the Sigma (although with a slightly reduced working distance), but with the VR, it works better for candid portraits! This lens will definitely be in my bag this November when I photograph Kyoto, Japan! Both this lens as well as B&H is highly recommended!

Date published: 2011-08-21

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Philippe-M from
Imressive but heavySo far, I used this lens for outdoor no-tripod macro photography and as general purpose short telephoto. Regarding macro, when you can get the focus on the right place, the results are stunning. However, the lightest breeze will get things out of focus. So you'll need patience and many attempts to get the right shot. Its weight is also a challenge, especially when trying to be stable to preserve the focus where you want it. The bokeh is nice. The AF is fast but get lost sometimes: there is a switch to limit the focus from .5m to infinity; a switch to limit the focus under .5m could be nice too. Regarding telephoto, the weight is less of an issue.

Date published: 2009-03-30

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
My Second Time AroundI purchased this lens a few years ago and eventually sold because it because I thought it too heavy. I replaced it with the Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 micro lens - what a mistake that was. Now that I use pro-level lens such as the 70-200mm f2.8 I discovered that the 105 micro f/2.8 is a lightweight. So I sold the 60mm and bought another 105mm micro Nikkor. It is an excellent lens - very sharp. And you don't have to be nose-to-nose with the bee, butterfly, etc. because the 105 has significantly more reach. It also makes a good portrait lens with ultra sharp results. This lens will be a permanent part of my camera bag.

Date published: 2010-10-18

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Terrence Bacon from
Excellent LensI use the 105mm f/2.8G macro lens for portraits, landscape and close-up photographs of toys. The usual product reviewers have done a fine job describing this lens. I find the lens to be slow to focus; it hunts a lot and VR is not useful to provide for micro photography, hand-held. But none of these things are significant for the sort of work I do. The lens provides excellent color rendering, no vignetting and sharp images throughout its aperture range. It's more than adequate to my standards. At 105mm the focal length may require the photographer to be close to micro subjects, which might not be suitable for some types of close-up work, such as animals.